25 Best Savory Pumpkin Recipes That Prove It's Not Just for Dessert
Upgrade your meals with an autumnal twist.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
When the fall season hits, sweet pumpkin spice recipes tend to get all the attention. But the love of the gourd doesn't need to stop there! Sure, you can go ahead and make that PSL and your favorite pumpkin desserts, but you should also take that pumpkin puree (fresh or canned!) to make these savory pumpkin recipes. After all, pumpkin is one of those seasonal ingredients that can be both sweet or savory.
"I think canned pumpkin puree is one of the best canned foods there is," Ree Drummond says. You can add it to creamy fall soups or cheesy baked pasta dishes, or even use it as a filling for homemade ravioli. When paired with browned butter and fresh sage, it's a weeknight dinner that anyone would love. Or you can make pumpkin puree from scratch and save the seeds for a snack or a topping. Now that's quite the autumnal win-win!
If you've never cooked with pumpkin before, you'll find that adding it to a pot of chili will give the dish a ton of earthy, hearty flavor. And just like your favorite butternut squash recipes, you can also roast pumpkin for a Thanksgiving side dish or a fun addition to a seasonal fall salad. No matter which dish you choose, these savory pumpkin recipes deserve a spot on your dining room table. Just be sure to save some space for a slice of pumpkin pie.
Pumpkin Chili
There are so many creative ways to make chili and this variation made with pumpkin proves it! The earthy flavor and spicy ground sausage make it perfect for tailgating or any chilly night of the week.
Get the Pumpkin Chili recipe.
Pumpkin Risotto
Risotto might seem intimidating at first, but it comes together in less than an hour! With the warm flavors of pumpkin and a sprinkle of smoky, crisp bacon, it'll be the hit of any seasonal dinner party.
Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Give homemade mac and cheese a seasonal twist (and an extra dose of vitamins) by adding in a can of pumpkin puree. It also helps give the dish even more creaminess.
Get the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe.
Pumpkin Soup
This pumpkin soup is velvety-smooth and so simple to make. Ree likes to roast her own pumpkins. And if you want to get fancy, try serving it up in hollowed-out pumpkin bowls.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Soup recipe.
Pepitas (Roasted Pumpkin Seeds)
Make an irresistibly crunchy snack by roasting pumpkin seeds and sprinkling them with a little salt. Then save some for so many other recipes with pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.
Get Ree's Pepitas recipe.
Pumpkin-Shaped Challah
Impress everyone at your potluck with this challah that's almost too cute to eat. Not only is it shaped like a pumpkin, but the dough is enriched with the flavor as well.
Get the Pumpkin-Shaped Challah recipe.
Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups
Everything about this dish screams "comfort food!" Between the creamy pumpkin sauce and the melty cheese, it's the perfect cozy bite for fall.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe.
Roasted Garlic Pumpkin Hummus
Homemade hummus is easy to make from scratch. You can use canned pumpkin, of course, along with canned chickpeas for an easy dip. Top with pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Get the Roasted Garlic Pumpkin Hummus recipe.
Pumpkin Ravioli
You don't have to spend a ton of time making pasta dough from scratch. Ree opts for store-bought wonton wrappers instead. It's a supermarket hack that you'll turn to time and time again!
Get Ree's Pumpkin Ravioli recipe.
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Made with pumpkin puree, these puffy yeast rolls are a wonderful spin on classic dinner rolls. Top them with melted butter and serve with even more, because there's nothing better than a warm roll fresh from the oven!
Get the Pumpkin Dinner Rolls recipe.
Pumpkin Bacon Carbonara
If you love classic carbonara, meet your new favorite fall recipe. The recipe uses seasonal pumpkin for a fun twist! It may be a departure from traditional carbonara, but it's just as delicious.
Get the Pumpkin Bacon Carbonara recipe.
Roasted Pumpkin, Spinach, and Feta Salad
Say goodbye to boring salads with this hearty and delicious mix. Tender, slightly sweet roasted pumpkin combines with salty feta, pine nuts, and baby spinach. Serve it as a side or add grilled meat to make it a meal!
Get the Roasted Pumpkin, Spinach, and Feta Salad recipe at Recipe Tin Eats.
Pumpkin Cornbread
Adding pumpkin puree to this cornbread recipe is a game-changer. The flavor is perfect for fall.
Get the Pumpkin Cornbread recipe at The View from Great Island.
Pumpkin Bolognese
Beef, pork, bacon, and pumpkin come together to make this rich pasta sauce. You'll want some garlic bread to scoop up any extras.
Roasted Pumpkin with Cranberry and Pecans
This beautiful side dish is adorned with plump cranberries and crunchy pecans. It's perfect for Thanksgiving or any weeknight dinner.
Get the Roasted Pumpkin with Cranberry and Pecans recipe at Sprinkles and Sprouts.
Spaghetti Squash with Pumpkin Alfredo
This healthy dinner recipe has not one but two winter squashes. The spaghetti squash takes the place of regular pasta, and the pumpkin is used for an Alfredo-like sauce.
Get the Spaghetti Squash with Pumpkin Alfredo recipe at Spoon Fork Bacon.
Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Roasted Pumpkin and Spinach
This crispy gnocchi recipe has it all—colorful veggies (like pumpkin and spinach), a ton of flavor (from parmesan cheese and butter), and it all comes together in just 20 minutes!
Get the Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Roasted Pumpkin and Spinach recipe at Recipe Tin Eats.
Spicy Roasted Pumpkin with Feta and Honey
When pumpkin is roasted in the oven, it can transform into a crispy side dish that’s perfect for all your fall occasions—Thanksgiving included! Top the pieces off with toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a nice crunch.
Get the Spicy Roasted Pumpkin with Feta and Honey recipe at Bourbon and Honey.
Pumpkin Pot Pie
There are plenty of sweet pies, but this savory pot pie is what cozy comfort food is all about! The flaky crust covers a filling of ground pork, pumpkin, onions, sage, and kale.
Pumpkin Manicotti
Along with the typical ricotta cheese filling, this baked pasta also has maple-roasted pumpkin and fresh sage for the ultimate fall comfort food.
5 Easy Tricks to Keep Dahlias Blooming Until Frost
Cauliflower Soup
7 Gardening Tasks to Tackle Before the Summer Ends
Dinner Ideas to Get You Through Back-to-School
